According to the B.C. Ministry of Labour, displaced forestry workers can access direct support at job placement co-ordination offices now open in five communities in the B.C. Interior.
These offices are located in 100 Mile House, Fort St. James, Fort St. John, Mackenzie, and Clearwater.
Each office employs a co-ordination officer who is a displaced forestry worker.
“As displaced forestry workers, they understand the industry, they understand the region, they understand the issues being confronted by their peers,” explained Julianne McCaffrey with the Ministry of Labour Communications.
Eligible forestry workers will have their needs assessed, before being connected to government programs that match them with other jobs, supports or training.
This includes education upgrades, credentials or certifications ranging from trade tickets to driver’s license classifications.
Part of the assessment will look at other factors, such as a worker’s willingness to move, or hobbies and skills such as carpentry or cooking, where the worker can potentially change industries.
The job placement offices are open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.